London Marathon to become 2-day event in 2027, open up places for 100,000 runners
A record 1.33 million athletes have applied to take part in next year’s events, which will take place on the weekend of April 24
The London Marathon will take place over two days as a one-off occurrence in 2027, with men’s, women’s and elite events spread across the weekend.
This year’s edition was the site of multiple milestones, including Sabastian Sawe’s world record time of one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds in a race where both the Kenyan and Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia broke the two-hour barrier for the first time in history.
It also attracted a record 59,830 finishers, and more will have a chance to run the same course next year with 100,000 participants welcomed across the weekend of April 24 and 25.
“London is the sporting capital of the world and I am delighted that, for one year only in 2027, the world famous TCS London Marathon will expand into a two-day event,” Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor, said.
“This unique, one-off double will allow a record 100,000 participants to take part across the two days – creating the largest fundraising moment in UK sporting history and supporting the work of so many incredible charities.
“The London Marathon showcases the very best of our capital and we will continue working closely with London Marathon Events and our partners to ensure appropriate measures are in place for the entire weekend as we build a better, more prosperous London for everyone.”